Maori History in New Zealand

While New Zealand is a relatively young country, it has a rich and fascinating history, reflecting both our Maori and European heritage.

Amazing Maori historic sites and taonga (treasures), some dating back almost a thousand years, are a contrast to many beautiful colonial buildings.

A walk around any New Zealand city today shows what a culturally diverse and fascinating country we have become.

Treaty of Waitangi

The Treaty of Waitangi is considered the founding document of New Zealand as a nation. It was first signed on 6 February 1840 by representatives of the British Crown and various Maori chiefs from the North Island of New Zealand. The Treaty established a British Governor of New Zealand and recognised Maori ownership of their lands and other properties, and gave the Maori the rights of British subjects. Today, the date of the signing has been celebrated as a national holiday and is now called Waitangi Day.